Full steam ahead: 7 new cars in Q1 2016

THE AUTOMOTIVE year 2016 is off to a promising start, as two big vehicles were rolled out in January: the all-new versions of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and the Toyota Fortuner.

The pace is set to speed up even more, with seven new models about to be launched, tentatively in the next three months:

Toyota Innova

The all-new Innova sets to elevate the state of the mass-market MPV with a new diesel engine and better interior.

The third arrow of Toyota’s IMV trio, so to speak, and the most powerful one, the Innova has remained practically unchallenged throughout the 11-year run of its first-generation model.

Where that model was a game-changer, the new Innova will seek to keep its leadership position with improvements in performance, safety and refinement.

If we follow the Indonesian specifications, the new Innova will seat up to seven, while a six-seat option with captain’s chairs may be available.

Engines will be the 2-liter gasoline with 137.10 horsepower and 183 Newton-meters, or the 2.4-liter diesel with 146.96 HP and up to 360 Nm. Transmission will be five-speed manual or six-speed automatic with Eco and Power modes. Innova will ride on 16-inch alloys.

Interior will feature ambient lighting (similar to the the Alphard’s), tilt-telescoping steering wheel, available glove box chiller, and up to 8-inch LCD audio head unit. Safety features will include hill assist control, ABS and EBD brakes, and vehicle stability control. The new Innova will have up to seven airbags.

Toyota Prius

New spaceship-like Toyota Prius hybrid can get up to 40km per liter.

The new Toyota Prius makes a bold statement, from its exterior styling to its enhanced fuel efficiency. The design features sharp angles and triangular shapes throughout. Toyota promises a warmer, more ergonomic interior.

The new Prius is the first global vehicle to use the Toyota New Global Architecture. The new platform is more rigid, and has a lower center or gravity for better stability. The hybrid system is projected to be more efficient than ever, getting up to 40 kilometers per liter of gasoline. The battery is either a lithium-ion or nickel-hydride type. If only the Philippine government would provide incentives for cleaner vehicles, the Prius could make for an excellent commuter car, taxi or Uber vehicle.

Honda Civic

Honda returns to a sportier drive for the new Civic sedan.

Honda has been on a roll with its new vehicles, and it may very well extend the winning streak with the Civic. The all-new Civic aims to return to the sporty sedan template that enthusiasts embraced for several generations. Honda reportedly benchmarked the new Civic against not just segment rivals, but versus luxury compacts as well.

The new car promises better handling and steering, as well as a more comfortable and quieter ride.

The new Civic may feature a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, the first turbocharged powerplant for the nameplate, with 173.59 HP.

Kia Sportage

EXPECT the all-new Kia Sportage to get a lot better.

The Sportage, already one of the best-looking vehicles not only in the Kia lineup but also in the compact crossover segment, is about to get a lot better.

The all-new Sportage will have a radical new look, with headlamps deliberately separated from the brand’s tiger grille, and a more raked profile.

The interior is expected to have higher-quality materials with a clean, ergonomic design.

Jeep Wrangler

THE JEEP Wrangler will combine offroad ability with the practicality of four doors.

The new Jeep Wrangler will challenge the Toyota Rav4 for the toy most at home in mud. This is courtesy of a new model that will reportedly slot in at below P2 million.

The hot new Wrangler should be more practical, with four full-size doors.

The Wrangler is the most capable Jeep offroad, capable of high-wheel travel and traction in the most slippery conditions.

Chevrolet Cruze

THE CHEVROLET Cruze will be lighter and more powerful, with a class-leading wheelbase and roomier interior.

Chevrolet will want to carve out a place in the compact sedan market using the all-new Cruze. It is larger while being lighter and more fuel-efficient.

The Cruze may pack the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that makes the Trax crossover a hoot to drive.

Together with a chassis lighter by up to 113 kilograms, the new Cruze should be more responsive to drive.

The Cruze has a long 2700-millimeter wheelbase that makes for a roomier interior.

Suzuki Ciaz

SUZUKI’S Ciaz enters the hotly contested subcompact sedan market.

Suzuki will launch the Ciaz, an entry in the hotly contested subcompact sedan market. The Ciaz is set to go against the Toyota Vios, Honda City, Ford Fiesta and Nissan Almera.

The Ciaz will feature a long 2650-mm wheelbase for bigger interior space. Its trunk capacity will likely top the segment at 565 liters.

The Ciaz will be powered by a 1.2-liter gasoline engine good for 91.73 HP and 118 Nm, mated to a CVT.